Green, Greener, Greenest: A Practical Guide to Making Eco-Smart Choices a Part of Your Life

by Lori Bongiorno, Frances Beinecke (Foreword)

How green can you be?

Green: Drive the speed limit
Greener: Drive a fuel-efficient car
Greenest: Bike or walk

The perfect guide to help readers decide how to best spend their time and money to protect the environment, Green, Greener, Greenest offers flexible tips for everyday living, all categorized as "green," "greener," and "greenest." Cutting through the labeling and the hype, it helps readers choose the advice that fits their schedule, their budget, and their interests, with the understanding that there's never one "right way" to make a difference. This indispensable resource will grow with readers-whether a novice in green living or a veteran environmentalist-as their interests and needs change over time.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sustainability, Environment, Green, Science, Reference, Ecology

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Liz De Coster · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book would best be described as a "handbook." I didn't find it as helpful as I was hoping it would be. Mostly, each section (personal care, household cleaning, etc.) gave a list of chemicals and other aspects of a product to be concerned about, and then gave several options for 'greening' this aspect of your life, rated from "green" to "greenest." Most of the reference sources were websites, however, most of which I was already familiar with (National Geographic's Green Guide, for example). The book itself did not have much more to say than could be obtained on websites, which are easier to keep up to date.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, a great resource book. Took me awhile to read through it, but it was really helpful in learning about how to be more environmentally friendly. She gives great suggestions, and it's easy to read. There is a lot of content, which is why it took me awhile to get through, but I found most of her information insightful and practical.

[John Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

While a little dated, thus book does a great job of explaining an issue the highlighting ways to address the issue with a green, greener a s greenest solution.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really a list of different topics with progressively more environmentally friendly ideas. Each topic area discusses some interesting science behind what REALLY goes into the goods you buy (and whether some of those chemicals are considered dangerous or not). While the discussion can get somewhat extreme in the earthy crunchy category, I believe about 90% of this to be accurate and honest. In the end, it's more about being informed than it is about espousing any particular green act. Read in snippets since this isn't a novel or even a chapter non-fiction. The only short coming I can see is that it severely underestimates prices for some of the green goods it recommends.

[Julian Pecenco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Focused especially on the health aspects of the foods and products one uses, this book provides a detailed guide to making healthier and more Eco-friendly choices in nearly every aspect of ones life. Bongiorno clearly explains the issues with conventional products, provides explanations of the labeling common the items in question, and then provides a variety of alternatives grouped from the easiest ("green") to the greatest impact ("greenest"). She also provides URLs for more information on nearly every topic. Ideal for anyone just starting, the book can also provide new ideas for those well along the green path.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author has done more research on living green that I would ever want to do. I was overwhelmed reading parts of this book and wanted to go hide in the basement, eating organic veggies and grass fed meat from my ceramic--not plastic and not paper--plates. But, it is also uplifting The book is organized by topic and it tells you how you can be green, greener and greenest in different areas (meat, veggies, cosmetics, baby stuff). I'd probably skim it next time and then reference it later, because it is a very good resource, but you can't possibly absorb all the data, so why try.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book categorizes everything from cleaning to baby stuff to food (and everything in between) in 3 levels: green, greener, greenest. Find which level suits your needs and time/energy you are willing to devote and you're good to go. Very user-friendly, readable and the green ways of living are easy! If you don't know where to start to live "green" then I definitely recommend this book. You will be making green choices in no time!

[Kayleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess I'm on this quest to find the perfect book about environmentalism that's going to change my life and give me new ideas. But I haven't found the perfect book yet-this was close though. Because I have such an interest in this sort of thing, I'm probably looking for something that doesn't exist in book-land. however, if you're looking to change your life in a green way and you don't have the tools to currently do so, this book will help immensely.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very comprehensive handbook on eco-friendly choices for almost every aspect of your life. Bongiorno generally gives you the scoop on why her recommendations will help the planet, and the least of all available evils if there is no truly good choice. It has definitely inspired me to make some immediate changes in my habits, and I can see getting a copy of my own for future reference... but for now, I'll be truly frugal and planet-smart and just return my copy to the library :)

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty handy guide. It gives a short and to the point description of environmental problems and a range of solutions that individuals can implement. Although it gives some standard suggestions that most of us have heard of (turn the water off when brushing teeth, use CFL's, etc.), I found it helpful. I appreciate that the author acknowledges that most of us have to juggle competing priorities of our financial situations with our concern for health/environment.

[Cheyenne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn’t finish. The book seems well researched on the surface, but relies on small case studies, flawed studies, nonprofits, and activism groups. The book also features outdated information and information that has not been fully “digested” or interpreted properly. There were some helpful pieces of advice, but not enough to finish reading. Less of an eco-friendly read and more about avoiding “chemicals”.

[Andi M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic guide to living green. It's split into sections based on the time and effort (and money) one is willing to put into change. From the easily manageable to the radical, this book can help you make the changes you desire to the extent you desire. It's also full of fanastic links and books to help any individual understand the environmental issues at hand.

[Meghan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

My family is constantly looking for ways to be green, and sometimes it can be hard to go as green as we like. This book gives a lot of information on the impact of everything around you, and how to make some better daily living decisions. It was a pretty easy read, and we have implemented already some of the suggestions. Be prepared, you will make different choices after reading this book.

[Haizle The Princess · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty informative book, with both simple and complex ways to become more "green", in health and for the environment. I especially enjoyed the sections on food (purchasing and packaging) and household. The three levels of "greenness" made it easier to not feel overwhelmed by making changes in everyday living.

[Bri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collected listing of resources available to the newbie environmentalist. I liked the way the book was set up with easiest to more expensive ways to cut down your environmental impact. Mainly the writer focused on health benefits for the suggested changes and not as much on the environmental aspect.

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive guide full of good resources, but redundant for anyone already familiar with the Green Guide and most other common environmental knowledge (i.e. different types of plastics, how to deal with off-gassing of carpets/mattresses, homemade cleaning products, etc.) I'd recommend it for all beginners and some novices.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick easy read. Allows you to pick what degree you want to be green, what works with your budget and lifestyle. I would like this little booklet to me sent to every American so they can see they can do SOMETHING for our poor planet.

[KaryC]

So far, I find that if I want to green up my life, I appreciate that it gives you levels of "greenness" to aspire to. My husband may want to make a green change in one area, and I'll make a greener one that suits me.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good basic handbook of sorts on making "greener" choices. Most of their recommendations I was already aware of, and I suspect many people are. However, if someone is new to the "green" movement, this would probably be a handy little guide to have around. Probably more like 3.5 stars.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good information all in one place for those of us who are trying to live a "greener" life. Great web resources in the back. Some information is basic and kind of common knowledge (or is it?).

[Laura Cavendish]

met her this past weekend in Chicago at the fest. she was super inspiring.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the progressive nature of this book. Going totally green may not be an option for all areas of your life, so providing tips in terms of green, greener, and greenest really helps.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to know the basics on how to green up your life, this book is for you.

[Krista Bolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice long list of links at the end of the book. Lots of good tips presented for different lifestyle needs.

[LuAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

gives you many handy web addresses that really help broaden your understanding of many environmental issues. i thought it was a great kick start to making some beneficial changes....

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A resource guide of resource guides. I'll be following up on a few of the sites it suggests. The book also refreshed my commitment to "Greening" and I plan to implement some of its suggestions.

[Marie]

A helpful, imformative book so far for someone who is already partially educated. Is it good for someone not as imformed yet? I'll say when I'm finished.

[Nordic21 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out lines the basics of being green, and gives lots of options for a variety of people's lifestyle.

[Andrea Renfrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

So handy! http://anakalianwhims.wordpress.com/2...

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

the author has done a lot of research. A great guide for anyone wishing to try to be green.